Our Scottsdale fertility center and national network are leaders in the diagnosis and management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). We treat more than 500 PCOS cases per year.

In addition to providing comprehensive fertility care for PCOS, we play a critical role in advancing PCOS research in relation to fertility and nutrition via research trials that evaluate and establish new and improved fertility protocols for patients struggling with condition.

Our Arizona PCOS Fertility Program utilized the vast resources of our national network while also taking a more local, personalized approach to patient care. Dr. Jesse Hade and our Scottsdale fertility team understand that no two cases of PCOS are exactly alike. We will work closely with each patient to determine the best treatment plan that best meets your symptoms and goals.

WHAT IS PCOS?

PCOS is a common reproductive endocrine disorder that affects over 5 million women in the United States alone. The disease is generally characterized by the presence of ovarian cysts, excess male hormones, and irregular ovulation and menstruation.

Normally, during each menstrual cycle, many small follicles grow in a woman’s ovaries and form eggs. At mid-cycle, or ovulation, one egg is released from one of the ovaries and all the other follicles break down. However, in PCOS, ovulation does not occur and an egg is not released. The follicles don’t break down, and instead fill with fluid and turn into cysts on the ovaries. Hence the name poly-cystic ovarian syndrome.

These cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances that negatively affect fertility.

PCOS FERTILITY: AT A GLANCE

PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women

The chance of getting pregnant with PCOS using fertility treatments is very good

PCOS causes irregularities in the hormones, which can interrupt the process of ovulation

Due to PCOS interrupting ovulation, each month it creates more and more immature follicles on the ovary. These immature follicles become cysts.

Women with PCOS have an inappropriate production of hormones that results in limited egg development and an increase in testosterone and other typically-male hormones.

PCOS can be successfully managed through diet and exercise

COMMON PCOS SYMPTOMS

PCOS is a disease defined by a range of signs and symptoms, including:

Infertility or recurrent miscarriage

Infrequent, irregular or absent menstrual periods

Excess facial hair growth

Thinning hair on the scalp

Weight gain or obesity

Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes

HOW WE DIAGNOSE PCOS

There is no definitive test for PCOS. To make a diagnosis, Dr. Hade and our fertility team will conduct a wide-ranging history and examination that focuses on your hormonal and metabolic abnormalities. At this consultation, a treatment plan will be implemented and the decision may be made for you to undergo further testing depending upon their symptoms.

Diagnosis is based upon the combination of clinical, ultrasound and laboratory factors, including:

Diabetes Medication

PCOS & WEIGHT

Diet and exercise are vital parts of the management of PCOS, as they improve the frequency of ovulation, improves fertility, lowers the risk of diabetes, and lowers androgen levels in many women. Eating well, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight (or even losing 5% of your body weight if you’re overweight) can improve symptoms.

The Boston IVF national fertility network also features the expertise of Hillary Wright, MEd, RD, LDN – our Director of Nutrition. Hillary has over 20 years of experience in successfully treating PCOS patients, many of whom also struggle with infertility. Her book “The PCOS Diet Plan” is the first of its kind and a helpful resource for those in need of PCOS diet support.